Stogie Guys Free Newsletter

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A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

The secret seems to be out. Six years ago, when Illusione launched the *R* Rothchildes (4.5 x 50), you could find it for about $4. These days, the price tag is likely to be in the $5-6 range. That’s still a great bargain, though. Made at Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) in Nicaragua, this Illusione creation’s Mexican San Andrés wrapper combines with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos to yield a medium-bodied profile and a balanced taste of roasted nuts, sweet cream, earth, cocoa, and warm tobacco. It’s surprisingly satisfying and balanced for the price and the small format, which will only take about 45 minutes to smoke. The smart play is to invest in a box of 50 and always have some on hand when time is short, or to hand out to friends.